E-string not articulate enough

[johndough247]

Hi guys and gals,

So have a 4-string Jazz Bass (Squier Classic Vibe Jazz http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-FEN-0303075-LIST ), I changed the neck to an Allparts jazz bass neck and the pickups to nordstrand NJ4 over half a year ago. The E-string is...not bad...but it's not as articulate as the other strings. I've eliminated bad strings or different types of strings; I've put rounds (DR FatBeams), coated rounds (Elixir) and Flats (Labella) on it with the same result.

Now, I can't for the life of me remember if it had this problem with the original neck (which I don't have anymore)...however, the tech guy who installed the nut (a bone nut btw) on the new neck, cut the E string slot a little wide (a lil more than 1/10 cm wide). Would this affect articulation? Right now it has a very thumpy sound (which I kinda like actually), but it's a slightly dull kinda thump, not an articulate thump (sorry if that sounds like an oxymoron lol)

I've been thinking about buying a different bridge...it's not necessary but I'm kinda curious to see if the articulation would improve...So which one do you think is the most likely culprit? Nut, bridge or something else?

[debassr]

Here are the possibilities in my mind in order of probability (highest first):

1. You need to adjust your action on that string to get closer to the pup.
2. You have a bad string or it's wrapped around the post in a weird way.
3. Your technique needs work.
4. Consider going back to rounds.
5. There's something wrong with one of your pups.

I don't think you'll notice any improvement at all by replacing the bridge.

[johndough247]

Originally Posted by debassr

Here are the possibilities in my mind in order of probability (highest first):

1. You need to adjust your action on that string to get closer to the pup.
2. You have a bad string or it's wrapped around the post in a weird way.
3. Your technique needs work.
4. Consider going back to rounds.
5. There's something wrong with one of your pups.

I don't think you'll notice any improvement at all by replacing the bridge.

Ok where do I begin...

1. The action is close enough, I play with fairly low action (the height is fine, trust me...and i've thought of that too, before)

2. What are the chances that I got a bad E string 3 times in a row...no the strings are fine, and i'm wrapping the strings around correctly (been doing this at least 15 years, and never had that problem with any string with any of the 10 basses i've owned since then)

3. You know, I had a long winded answer for this one, but I'm calm now lol don't worry, my technique is decent...let's just assume that i'm someone you'd want to hire for a session/gig. (I just hope that assumption wasn't based on the fact that I play a squier lol)

4. I guess you missed the part where i've used several pairs of rounds all with the same result...you know what they say the definition of insanity is right? lol

5. Pickups are not the problem...Had the originals in up until 2 weeks ago, did the same thing with the original pickups. The nordstrands sound better, but still the articulation thing still exists.


Thank you for your opinions debassr, but I'm pretty sure those 5 aren't it. I've heard many places that some of the things a bridge change can improve is sustain and articulation. Any other opinions?

[debassr]

If all of the above is true, then the only other possibilities that exist are some kind of problem with the electronics on the bass, or some sort of problem with what you're playing through (amp/cab).

[Ray man]

I don't have an answer, But I know for certain the Allparts jazz bass neck is fantastic.
The best neck I own.

[hasbeen]

two quick questions and an observation too:

Observation- the nut will really only matter with an open note.

Question- how does the low E sound acoustically? Also, have you tried lowering the pickup on the bass side?

[debassr]

One other thing... I don't think cutting the E slot too wide for the nut would really have any effect, but if he cut it too deep, the string could be sitting on the wood and maybe muting it slightly. Also, is there any chance the nut is fractured?

[onlyclave]

Originally Posted by debassr

Here are the possibilities in my mind in order of probability (highest first):


3. Your technique needs work.


I don't think you'll notice any improvement at all by replacing the bridge.

Protip: It's this one.

[debassr]

Originally Posted by johndough247

3. You know, I had a long winded answer for this one, but I'm calm now lol don't worry, my technique is decent...let's just assume that i'm someone you'd want to hire for a session/gig. (I just hope that assumption wasn't based on the fact that I play a squier lol)

My assumption was based partly on the Squier bit, but mostly because you joined the forum in 09. And before I catch hell for my 08 join date, please know that it's only because I changed my username at that point.

[bassophil]

I have the same problem with a Precision with also a replaced neck (Warmoth).

Did you try other gauges strings already? For me a lighter gauge fixed the problem. I used to play 105 and 110, then I tried a 95 and the E string had the same presence as the other strings again.

[Let It Fall]

Yes try lighter gauge strings.. My .105 soured dull .100 sondes pretty dull.. .95 is where is at!! You don't loose bass just get more of a tone from it.

[knuckle_head]

In swapping out strings were you consistent? Are you using a tapered E? A full-thickness E across the bridge saddle will steal overtones huge.

Not all E strings are the same. Most are a three wrap and there will be a decided difference between your E and A based on that alone.

Grain of salt/self-engrandizement warning - I have no idea who makes them besides me - and I suspect other manufacturers must - but my .100 and my .106 are a two wrap and sit much better next to each other in a set than most - IMO.

[KJAXE]

I think "hasbeen" might be on to something. If the pickup and string are too close to each other, especially the larger string, the pickup can be pulling on the string and causing it "not" to vibrate properly, hence, deadness.

[bassophil]

Originally Posted by KJAXE

I think "hasbeen" might be on to something. If the pickup and string are too close to each other, especially the larger string, the pickup can be pulling on the string and causing it "not" to vibrate properly, hence, deadness.

Not a bad idea. That could explain why "Let It FallW and I could eliminate the problem with lighter strings. Less mass -> less pulling on the string.

I will check that on my problem child.

[jlt5x]

StrIng too close to pup will do that. Have you had a pro setup recently?

[Metal Mitch]

Originally Posted by debassr

Here are the possibilities in my mind in order of probability (highest first):

1. You need to adjust your action on that string to get closer to the pup.
2. You have a bad string or it's wrapped around the post in a weird way.
3. Your technique needs work.
4. Consider going back to rounds.
5. There's something wrong with one of your pups.

I don't think you'll notice any improvement at all by replacing the bridge.

1. wouldn't it make more sense to adjust the pickup height?

2 and 4. he stated he tried 3 different sets, both flat and round

5. highly unlikely

which leaves 3. But the bridge saddle slot is in fact a more probable component.

I think Knuckle is on point here.

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

Not all E strings are the same. Most are a three wrap and there will be a decided difference between your E and A based on that alone.

Grain of salt/self-engrandizement warning - I have no idea who makes them besides me - and I suspect other manufacturers must - but my .100 and my .106 are a two wrap and sit much better next to each other in a set than most - IMO.

This is a very common problem I've seen on a number of basses with all different bridges and strings. I'm more than ready to try a 2 wrap E!